Sound Destruction

"A statesman gains little by the arbitrary exercise of ironclad authority upon all occasions that offer, for this wounds the just pride of his subordinates, and thus tends to undermine his strength. A little concession, now and then, where it can do no harm is the wiser policy." - MARK TWAIN

Friday, September 30, 2005

HOUSE OF CARDS COLLAPSING

Thursday, September 29, 2005

FOLLOW SAR IF YOU DARE

Today I'm blogsitting over at The-Amen-Corner. Like so many we've read about and seen in the news, our friend Gabriel has been temporarily displaced by the recent hurricanes. So I'm one of several bloggers coming to his aid and guest posting in an effort to help keep at least his blog home afloat.

Gabriel, known best around here as the guy who unabashedly speaks his mind and occassionally prods me to post pictures of myself, the most recent requesting being my ankle. His site is equally raunchy and nasty. But don't be fooled. Behind the titalating salactiousness is one gifted professional writer. Gabriel can spin anaologies, similies, and double entendres like it's nobody's business, and all in the context of stories that will draw you in and leave at least this reader begging for more.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

DROP THE HAMMER!

DeLay, 58, was accused of a criminal conspiracy along with two associates, John Colyandro, former executive director of a Texas political action committee formed by DeLay, and Jim Ellis, who heads DeLay's national political committee.wow...i was just thinking back to my second post ever. it seems like so long ago. only one comment though from someone named sar. i think she is still around.

thanks to 'truth serum' for the picture. check them out for updates on the wrong-doings of tom delay.

MOVE IT OR LOSE IT

I was out driving earlier and passed a car dealership and noticed their sale tag line. Get this, they called it a "Gas Crunch Sale". What the hell kind of sense does that make?!

At least it distracted me momentarily from how much driving in Virginia sucks. Everyone is too slow. Yep, all these NASCAR loving Virginians. Go figure. They don't drive here, they mosey. Forget about just making a light. Never happen. The person in front of you is sure to start breaking about 20 feet before the light and often when it's still green for no apparent reason. But here's the thing. No one honks here! If this was New Jersey, fahgedaboutit! You'd get the horn, the one finger wave, and the evil eye. But you'd make the light.

And what's up with the license plates here? I have never seen so many vanity plates. Really, people, I don't give a shit about where you like to vacation, or how many kids you have, your profession, or what teams you like. Eh, I have to take that last one back. I did talk hubby into getting personalized plates when we moved here to support one of his favorite teams. I even thought up a little something crea8tive myself. *pats self on the back*

So here's the deal. If you can find your way to introduce your foot to the gas pedal and you have the number 47 anywhere on your license plate, your A-OK in my book. If not, get the hell outta my way!

Tuesday, September 27, 2005

WHADAYA MAKE OF THIS?!

Monday, September 26, 2005

SAR DRONED ON

I first came across Waking Ambrose through Blog Explosion. It kept popping up like kernels in a microwave. After awhile, I got so tired of waiting the 30 seconds for the next blog that I decided to actually check it out. I did and found I really liked it. Our friend Doug is arguably one of the smartest people I virtually know, taking a word from Ambrose Bierce's Devil's Dictionary and giving it a twist of his own on a daily basis. I've dubbed it my intellectual playground, and Doug's growing number of regular commenters tells me I'm not alone in this assessment. As commenters, we have fun trying our hand at his word of the day and chatting amongst ourselves while Doug, the quintessential host, never neglects to acknowledge our efforts and even delegates a word, allowing one of us to be the special guest star each Wednesday.

Not too long ago, Doug introduced an addendum to Waking Ambrose. An interactive audio blog called Doug Drones On. On Saturday mornings, Doug treats us to stories of his adventurous life through his so-called drone. He encourages interactive participation from his readers, or in this case listeners, as well. So, I mustered up the courage and I gave it a shot (anyone interested can hear my submission to Doug's audio blog here).

Though I know most of you already are familiar with these sites, I encourage the balance of you to treat yourself by visiting my intellectual playgrounds. Dibs on the seesaw!

Saturday, September 24, 2005

THIS IS FUNNY

OMAHA, Neb. -- An Omaha man mowed an obscenity into his lawn, and now his neighbors are upset because they don't want their children to see the nasty language.

The homeowner, who neighbors told KETV NewsWatch 7 has the last name Miller, cut a two-word expletive into his front lawn after being warned by the city about excessive grass and weeds around his house. His house is near 68th Street and Park View Lane. The phrase is about 30 feet long across his yard.I wonder if he had to plan out how he was going to mow it into the lawn or if he just kind of free handed it...well I guess it would be free-mowing it.

GLOBAL PROTECTION

Spokesman Liu Wenhua of the Guangzhou Rubber Group said the company was handing out 100,000 free Clinton and Lewinsky condoms as part of a promotion to raise consumer awareness of its new products. He said that after the promotion ends, the Clinton condoms will go on sale in southern China for 29.8 Yuan ($3.72) for a box of 12, while the Lewinsky model will be priced at 18.8 Yuan ($2.35) for the same quantity. "The Clinton condom will be the top of our line," he said. "The Lewinsky condom is not quite as good."

(*chuckle*)

Liu said the company had chosen to use the Clinton name because consumers viewed the former president as a responsible person, who would want to stress safe sex as an effective way to prevent the spread of the HIV virus.

(*snicker*)

"The names we chose are symbols of people who are responsible and dedicated to their jobs," he said. "I believe Bill Clinton cannot be unhappy about this because he's a very generous man."

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

CONSTITUTION DAY

(click the image to hear School House Rocks - "I'm Just A Bill")

(note: emphasis below provided by me)

Last year Sen. Robert Byrd, D-West Virginia, added an amendment (to an appropriations bill) designating September 17 (the actual birthdate of the Constitution) as Constitution Day, mandating the teaching of the Constitution in schools that receive federal funds, as well as federal agencies. The focus on No Child Left Behind testing, especially in the elementary grades, has put an emphasis on core subjects like math and reading, resulting in less time for civics. Many high schoolers lack knowledge about their most basic civil liberties. A study titled "The Future of the First Amendment," commissioned by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and released early this year, listed among its findings that nearly three-fourths of high school students either do not know how they feel about the First Amendment or admit they take it for granted, and nearly half of the students surveyed incorrectly believe that the government has the authority to censor the Internet.

So, let me get this straight. Teachers are so pressured and busy teaching to the test because of the NCLBA that there's no time to teach our children about their civil liberties and the rich history of the Constitution. But, we should be just tickled that now we now have one single solitary day a year to make up for it. What benefit could come from not knowing your constitutional rights in America? Is ignorance bliss? If you don't know your rights, will you miss them when they're gone?

RANDOM THOUGHTS TODAY

First off, for the record, no one does random thoughts posts better than Maine. Seriously. Any one of his combined random thoughts would make a kick ass post. I don't know how he does it. So, please, no comparing because you'd surely be let down here.

I had a pedicure today. One of life's best pleasures (relax, I said one of). Sitting back in the cushy chair with the back massager, feet soaking in nice hot bubbly water followed by a foot massage. Heaven. That is until someone's cell phone rings incessantly followed by an obnoxious one-sided conversation. Ladies (and gentlemen if you're so inclined), may I suggest for your own safety and that of your cell phone, that you best not sit next to me and let that happen.

Yesterday my daughter asked if she ate sunflower seeds and drank water if sunflowers would grow inside her.

So why the picture of Barack Obama you ask. Is it because I admire his politics? Or because he's an eloquent speaker and brilliant leader? Or is it because I'd like to see him run for president at the first appropriate opportunity? Yes, yes, and yes. Oh, and when I googled "random thoughts" images, this picture came up. I'm not sure if I should be impressed or depressed.

Wednesday, September 14, 2005

RESPONSIBILITY = ACCOUNTABILITY

Armagedon is upon us. Really, I'm convinced. The Red Sox won the World Series. Martha Stewart went to prison and Michael Jackson didn't. Katrina swallowed New Orleans. And Bush uttered the words "I take responsibility".

"Katrina exposed serious problems in our response capability at all levels of government and to the extent the federal government didn't fully do its job right, I take responsibility," Bush said during a joint news conference with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

This is a big deal. People around the world in such places as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy, India, are following with interest. Hell, even MTV is covering it. Why is this such a big deal? It's long overdue. And, frankly, too damn little too damn late.

In midst of Katrina's wrath, people were ignored, stranded, drowning and starving, and he turned a blind eye to the gravity of the situation and didn't take responsibility. People died en mass and Bush still didn't take responsibility.

It's an all too common theme for Bush. He rushed us off to war in Iraq because of there were WMDs and Saddam had a global itchy trigger finger. Homes, schools, businesses, hospitals all obliterated. Innocent Iraqi's maimed and killed, along with our brave soldiers and those who joined the coalition. Yet there no WMDs, and Bush did not take responsibility for the families destroyed and lives lost. In Abu Grahib and Guantanamo Bay, innocent civilians were wrongly held prisoner and subjected to torture and some death. Still and again, Bush did not take responsibility.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

WHAT ARE THEY LISTENING TO?

Monday, September 12, 2005

MY BODY - I CHOOSE

The Senate Confirmation Hearings for John Roberts are underway. I've been watching it for a bit (man, polititians sure do love to hear themselves speak). Committee member, Diane Feinstein (Dem Sen from CA), set the stage for the Roe v Wade showdown in her opening remarks, even warning Roberts' family it could get ugly. And well it should. This is a law that spells disaster if it's overturned.

Bush has made it very clear that he doesn't support abortion. Everyone's entitled to their own opinion. Fine. And everyone has the right to support or hold opposition to abortion based on their own personal reasons. Fine again. But that does not give anyone other than each individual woman the right to to make decisions concerning her own body and reproductive system.

KANYE WEST MAKES MIKE UNCOMFORTABLE

Thursday, September 08, 2005

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY

My special girl is 4 today! She's nothing short of a miracle. Her due date was 9/11/01. Yes, THE 9/11. Hubby worked on Wall Street then. So by her arriving early, he wasn't in NYC that day and was able to be there for her birth. A few weeks before she was born we learned she was breech (upside down, legs first), so I opted for an in-hospital procedure called a "Version" where a prenatal specialist doctor and a nurse actually grabbed my baby externally through my tummy and turned her like the hands on a clock back around. Yeah, it was that painful. And more. But after that, the birth was a cakewalk! Not related to the Version, we would later learn she was born with moderately low lone and a brain anomaly. Her cerebellum (the part of the brain that controls balance & coordination) never fully developed in utero. So she's had developmental delays in motor planning and gross motor movement, with residual (but minor in comparison) delays in speech and fine motor.

She continues to make increadible progress. She's talking in full sentences now. For example, she loves the moon and always points it out. I told her maybe someday she'll go to the moon in a space shuttle and she said, "Ooooh, dat be wondabuh, mommy!". In addition to excelling in her special preK class, she's making great progress with her new physical therapist who's fantastic. Her latest and greatest accomplishment is what she refers to as the door game. She slowly pulls to stand using the door molding then gingerly opens the door, steps carefully in & around, and shuts the door. And vice versa. Pretty sophisticated stuff if you think about it, and it is quite a process for her.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

WAKE UP PEOPLE!

California lawmakers became the first in the country to approve a bill allowing same-sex marriages following Senate approval last week. Now the nation waits alongside Californians to see if Governor Arnie will veto the bill. Including Randy Thomasson, president of the Campaign for Children and Families, a conservative group opposed to the bill, who said Schwarzenegger should veto it. "Schwarzenegger can't afford to sign the gay marriage license bill," he said. "He'll actually become a hero to the majority of Californians when he vetoes it."

Want to know what really grinds me? Those who call themselves conservatives and hide behind the cloak of "families, morals, and values" as if they hold the monopoly. Well guess what dickhead, I have children and family and I think you and your campaign are full of shit.

The focus needs to be stay on gay and lesbian couples' rights to the same livelihood and happiness as their heterosexual counterparts. Not interpreting bible semantics to perpetuate bigotry, exclusion and hatred. I'm no religious expert, but I'm fairly confident that the teachings of Jesus promoted acceptance, tolerance, and love -- especially for those suffering. So just where do these morons get off thinking their negative interpretations of the bible are God's will?

If you don't like gay couples, too damn bad. Get over it. They're humans too!

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

WELCOME BACK!

(Were the sweathogs always this, er, chummy with Ooh, Ooh, Ooh, Mistah Kattah! ??)Mr. Kotter from Welcome Back Kotter has been named the "Most Memorable Teacher on Television" by Inside TV magazine. Following second in their top ten list was Edna Krabapple from The Simpsons (read the balance of the top ten list here).

Cheers to Mr. Kotter and to the 2 wonderful teachers who welcomed my girls back to school today.

Monday, September 05, 2005

ARE YOU A SERIAL KILLER?

good news for all my friends and neighbors...I'm not. I got a 10 and here is what it had to say about me...

"The odd quirk in your personality is nothing to worry about, it might even be getting you a few more social invites than the more dull among us. So party on, you're not a threat to society."score yourself here and let me know how you all fair.btw...what are your favorite serial killer movies?

in no particular order I like seven, natural born killers, and silence of the lambs. I am sure after I post this I will think of a few more so let me get this up before I start adding every movie I ever saw...oh yeah...I liked "SAW" also...and "SAW two" comes out soon...I cant wait. (trailer here)

*I think by posting about serial killers I just failed at lightening the mood...sorry sar.

WHAT TO DO?

Remember after 9/11 how somber our country was in the aftermath? Remember how no one quite felt comfortable being light hearted for a good long while? Remember we weren't sure if it was appropriate or disrespectful to go on with our lives, being silly and happy?

I appreciate and admire the blogs who've dedicated their posts to the coverage and inquiries surrounding the tragedies of Katrina, and, in my opinion, no one blogger has provided more in-depth blogging than our pal Moxie. But what about us here at Sound Destruction? We've been know to put up some pretty stupid but apparently entertaining shit around here, while interjecting real grown up topics like politics and religion.

Saturday, September 03, 2005

HELPING HAND

HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Cuban President Fidel Castro has offered to send help to the United States in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

At a nightly roundtable program on state-run television Friday, the Cuban leader said his nation was ready to send 1,100 doctors and 26 tons of medicine and equipment.

"Others have sent money; we are offering to save lives," he said.

Castro -- an enemy of U.S. President George W. Bush and frequent subject of condemnation from the White House -- said he would not comment on the U.S. government's response to the tragedy because "this is not the time to kick an adversary -- while he's down."

Castro said the doctors he was offering have international experience.

The United States has no diplomatic relations with Cuba. It remained unclear whether the White House would take Castro up on his offer.

After a massive earthquake in Bam, Iran, in December 2003, the United States sent aid -- even though the United States has no diplomatic ties with Iran.

Friday, September 02, 2005

STRIDER WILL POLITICIZE THIS TRAGEDY (with Michael Moore's help)

Friday, September 2nd, 2005

Dear Mr. Bush:

Any idea where all our helicopters are? It's Day 5 of Hurricane Katrina and thousands remain stranded in New Orleans and need to be airlifted. Where on earth could you have misplaced all our military choppers? Do you need help finding them? I once lost my car in a Sears parking lot. Man, was that a drag.

Also, any idea where all our national guard soldiers are? We could really use them right now for the type of thing they signed up to do like helping with national disasters. How come they weren't there to begin with?

Last Thursday I was in south Florida and sat outside while the eye of Hurricane Katrina passed over my head. It was only a Category 1 then but it was pretty nasty. Eleven people died and, as of today, there were still homes without power. That night the weatherman said this storm was on its way to New Orleans. That was Thursday! Did anybody tell you? I know you didn't want to interrupt your vacation and I know how you don't like to get bad news. Plus, you had fundraisers to go to and mothers of dead soldiers to ignore and smear.

You sure showed her!

I especially like how, the day after the hurricane, instead of flying to Louisiana, you flew to San Diego to party with your business peeps. Don't let people criticize you for this -- after all, the hurricane was over and what the heck could you do, put your finger in the dike?

And don't listen to those who, in the coming days, will reveal how you specifically reduced the Army Corps of Engineers' budget for New Orleans this summer for the third year in a row. You just tell them that even if you hadn't cut the money to fix those levees, there weren't going to be any Army engineers to fix them anyway because you had a much more important construction job for them -- BUILDING DEMOCRACY IN IRAQ!

On Day 3, when you finally left your vacation home, I have to say I was moved by how you had your Air Force One pilot descend from the clouds as you flew over New Orleans so you could catch a quick look of the disaster. Hey, I know you couldn't stop and grab a bullhorn and stand on some rubble and act like a commander in chief. Been there done that.

There will be those who will try to politicize this tragedy and try to use it against you. Just have your people keep pointing that out. Respond to nothing. Even those pesky scientists who predicted this would happen because the water in the Gulf of Mexico is getting hotter and hotter making a storm like this inevitable. Ignore them and all their global warming Chicken Littles. There is nothing unusual about a hurricane that was so wide it would be like having one F-4 tornado that stretched from New York to Cleveland.

No, Mr. Bush, you just stay the course. It's not your fault that 30 percent of New Orleans lives in poverty or that tens of thousands had no transportation to get out of town. C'mon, they're black! I mean, it's not like this happened to Kennebunkport. Can you imagine leaving white people on their roofs for five days? Don't make me laugh! Race has nothing -- NOTHING -- to do with this!

You hang in there, Mr. Bush. Just try to find a few of our Army helicopters and send them there. Pretend the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast are near Tikrit.

Yours,

Michael Moore

P.S. That annoying mother, Cindy Sheehan, is no longer at your ranch. She and dozens of other relatives of the Iraqi War dead are now driving across the country, stopping in many cities along the way. Maybe you can catch up with them before they get to DC on September 21st.

Thursday, September 01, 2005

TELETHONS BEGIN

MTV, VH1 and CMT in the US will air a music-led telethon to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina on September 10, MTV's parent company Viacom announced on Wednesday evening.

So the stars are coming together. I can relate to the feeling of wanting to do something to contribute to the relief efforts. Even my 7 year old emptied her piggybank (and drew a picture for the victims) which we brought along with my monitary donation, nonperishable supplies and cases of water to a local drop off drive this afternoon (the news crews were all jazzed about my daughter's efforts so they filmed our drop off).

While you won't catch me complaining about seeing Green Day, you can bet your ass I'll be tuning out if the stars go post 9/11 again and try to talk down to me with lit candles in the background. The last thing I need is stars telling me to be human!